Create your own, one-of-a-kind acrylic pet portrait on canvas, done in a colorful style inspired by American Pop Artist Andy Warhol. No artistic experience is necessary!

We begin with a short lesson about painting techniques with 3 different brush types. Then, we’ll walk you through each step of the process – from transferring your pet’s image to the canvas with graphite, to painting the background, to painting the main features of your pet, to the final finishing details. We will use vibrant, non-toxic acrylic paints. All art materials will be provided.

Before the class begins, we will need you to email us a high-resolution digital photo of your pet. Uncropped, full-body shots or face shots with uncluttered backgrounds work best. Also, pictures with good contrast work well. Please email pandamai@pmbq.com if you have any questions about photo choice and guidance, Mai is happy to help you.

About The Instructor:

Phuong-Mai “Mai” Blasich is the founder artist of P.M.B.Q. Studios, a graphic and panda arts studio in San Jose, CA. Mai’s creative career began in 1993 as a comic artist in Antarctic Press’ series, Ninja High School. She has done work with Marvel Comics, Dark Horse Comics, and went on to self-publish her action-comedy comic Tea Club. You can also see Mai’s public mural work in downtown San Jose at the “First Street Panda Cafe & Bakery, a 180 foot-long mural stretching around the corner of North First and San Fernando Streets and also at Pup Plaza! Her work focuses on cheerful animal characters doing everyday things, striving to remind us to stop, enjoy and appreciate the simple things in life.

The event takes place indoors at Pup Plaza and is limited to 12 participants

Please note that all participants are required to be fully vaccinated for Covid 19. All of our instructors are vaccinated. Social distancing will be encouraged during all classes at Pup Plaza. Masks are optional, but encouraged.

Proceeds from activities at Pup Plaza support Silicon Valley Pet Project’s (SVPP) life-saving work. SVPP is a nonprofit organization.